If you enjoy creepy short story collections then I think I might have found the perfect book for you. (Maybe this could be your Halloween read!) What makes this collection even more interesting is that it was compiled by 4 different children's authors. Claire Legrand, Emma Trevayne, Katherine Catmull, and Stefan Bachmann banded together to write
The Cabinet of Curiosities: 36 Tales Brief & Sinister (the Internet has 36
and 40 which is thoroughly confusing even though I've read the book). This book has a little bit of everything and with the added benefit of different author's voices it is certainly never boring. There's magic, mystery, and straight up horror (just to name a few). The black and white illustrations that accompany each story are absolutely perfect (Great job, Alexander Jansson!) and were honestly one of the reasons why I picked up this book in the first place. They've laid out the narrative in a very unique way as they've styled the chapters like the different drawers and cubbies of a traditional cabinet of curiosities. The authors are the 'curators' of this unique cabinet and the stories are the background for each of the 'items' they've collected for the separate compartments. This helps to connect all of the disparate stories into one cohesive collection and keeps the pace moving. All in all, a solid collection that I might find myself drifting back to for the spooky season. 10/10
What's Up Next:
One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter by Scaachi Koul
What I'm Currently Reading:
Grendel by John Gardner
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How scary are we talking here?
ReplyDeleteI guess it depends on your comfort level with creepiness. I'd say it's not at the level of a horror film but it's also not something that you should read directly before bed if you're prone to nightmares. I think it would be a fun read for 10+ years of age especially during the Halloween season. In other words, you can handle it (but the hubby probably can't.).
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